Academic Partners

Study abroad is a transformative academic experience that every college student should pursue. In fact, thousands of UCLA students choose to study abroad each year! The UCLA International Education Office (IEO) is the student destination for all things study abroad. The IEO offers a complete range of services for UCLA and visiting international students who wish to study abroad. Our team of study abroad advisors and program coordinators counsel students on academic, cultural, and financial issues.” VACorps established a partnership with the UCLA International Education Office (IEO) in 2020 and serves as its Cape Town internship program provider.

"Indiana University is a public research university system with its flagship campus in Bloomington, Indiana. The university is committed to providing broad access to a high-quality education while advancing the frontiers of knowledge through innovative research and creative activity. Indiana University prepares students for meaningful careers and civic life through rigorous academics, experiential learning opportunities, and a rich campus environment, while also serving the needs of Indiana and the broader global community through public engagement, outreach, and service." VACorps established a partnership with Indiana University in 2026, and VACorps participants can earn academic credit through Indiana University, which serves as the School of Record for the Indiana University Summer Internship in Cape Town program, offered every June-July.

The College of ACES offers tremendous opportunities for students and faculty to achieve success. Nearly 40 organizations provide more than 2,500 undergraduate students and nearly 750 graduate students the opportunity to network, learn about careers, and contribute to the life of the college. ACES research encompasses initiatives in bioenergy, biotechnology, integrated landscapes, environmental sustainability, food and agricultural systems, global climate change, family resiliency, public policy, and more.” VACorps and the Colleges of ACES at UIUC have worked together since 2007 through faculty-led programming in South Africa. In 2014, VACorps and ACES designed and launched an innovative program that combines a study abroad experience in Durban with a professional internship in Cape Town.

IE3 Global Internships provides opportunities for students to grow personally, professionally and cross-culturally. Students integrate their academic experience into professional practice through high quality, affordable and rigorous international internships that help them develop the global competencies employers seek: intercultural competence, adaptability, creativity, global awareness, stewardship and job skills.” VACorps and IE3 established a partnership in 2007.

The Hinckley Institute was established in 1965 through the generous bequest of the Noble Foundation and Robert H. Hinckley. It is dedicated to teaching students respect for practical politics and the principle of citizen involvement in government. The intern program is the heart of the Hinckley Institute. The Institute provides internship opportunities for course credit in offices of elected officials, government agencies, non-profit organizations, and think tanks. The Hinckley Institute of Politics places more than 300 students every year in positions locally, globally, at the Utah and Alaska State Legislatures, and in Washington, DC.” VACorps established a partnership with the Hinckley Institute of Politics in 2013.

Experiential learning, anchored by our renowned cooperative education program, lies at the heart of academic life at Northeastern. The integration of study with professional work, research, and service in 131 countries around the world gives students real-world opportunities and responsibilities. They explore their path, acquire a deeper grasp of their studies, and develop an understanding essential to lifelong achievement: how to learn and grow outside the comfort zone of the classroom.” VACorps and Northeastern University formed a partnership with Northeastern’s Co-Operative Education & Career Development Department in 2016. VACorps hosts NEU students who participate in their programs throughout Cape Town.

The Kathryn F. Hubbard Center for Student Engagement at DePauw University helps students discover and develop their life goals by connecting their academic experiences to off-campus study, internships and career development opportunities to help them navigate their personal and professional journey.” VACorps established a partnership with The Hubbard Center for Student Engagement at DePauw University in 2019.

"The USC Rossier School of Education is committed to advancing educational equity through innovative teaching, research, and community engagement. With a focus on preparing transformative leaders, Rossier equips educators, policymakers, and scholars with the skills to address systemic challenges in education. The school emphasizes social justice, diversity, and evidence-based practices to create meaningful change in schools and communities worldwide.” VACorps established a partnership with USC Rossier in 2021 to support its faculty-led programs in South Africa.

The need for innovative information tools is a global challenge. The Global Information Engagement Program (GIEP) is an innovative approach to learning which partners non-profit, research, and educational organizations in an international setting with carefully selected student teams. This program seeks to operationalize the skills of professional master’s degree students at the University of Michigan to develop sustainable information management practices that have positive societal impact. Project teams from UMSI and University graduate programs spend a semester studying and creating plans for implementation of an identified information challenge that has high social impact value.” VACorps is the in-country service provider for the University of Michigan School of Information Global Information Engagement Program in Cape Town.

"California State University, Long Beach (CSULB) is a public university dedicated to providing high-quality, affordable education while fostering student success, creativity, and global engagement. Its mission emphasizes inclusive excellence, innovative research, and community service to prepare graduates for meaningful careers and lifelong learning. CSULB is committed to equity, sustainability, and serving a diverse student population to drive positive social and economic impact. VACorps serves as the local internship provider for both faculty-led and semester internship programs.” VACorps and CSULB established a partnership in 2022 and serves as the in-country provider for both faculty-led and semester programs.

The Office of Global Education & Partnerships at Millersville University of Pennsylvania provides global educational opportunities for MU students and faculty as well as the Lancaster County community as a whole. This is accomplished by partnering with universities and academic program providers around the globe. Programs include bilateral study abroad, international internships, student teaching abroad, research collaboration and professional training.” VACorps established a partnership with the Millersville University Office of Global Education in 2011 and has also coordinated several MU faculty-led trips in South Africa.

Pacific University’s College of Health Professions is dedicated to preparing leaders in innovative healthcare for a diverse global community.” VACorps and the Occupational Therapy Program at Pacific University College of Health Professions established a partnership in 2007. VACorps and the Physical Therapy Program at Pacific University College of Health Professions have been working together since 2011.

"Albany State University is a historically Black university committed to academic excellence, student success, and community engagement. With a focus on leadership development, innovation, and social responsibility, ASU prepares graduates to excel in their careers and contribute to positive change in society. The university emphasizes access to quality education, diversity, and lifelong learning, empowering students to make a meaningful impact in their communities and beyond.“ VACorps established a partnership with Albany State University in 2024 to support its faculty-led programs in South Africa.

"The Questrom School of Business at Boston University is committed to developing ethical and innovative leaders who create value in the global economy. With a focus on experiential learning, cutting-edge research, and interdisciplinary collaboration, Questrom equips students to navigate complex business challenges. The school emphasizes social responsibility, digital transformation, and sustainability, ensuring graduates have the skills to drive meaningful impact in their industries and communities." In 2024, VACorps established a partnership with Questrom to support its Master’s in International Management Program.

"World Endeavors is an international organization founded in 2002 that provides study abroad, internship, and volunteer programs in over 20 countries, focusing on cultural immersion and personal growth. They offer customized, hands-on learning experiences—including virtual internships—designed to build global skills, with a commitment to affordable, meaningful, and responsible international experiences." VACorps partnered with World Endeavors in 2025 and serves as its Cape Town internship program provider.

The School of Social Work Field Education office offers an international field placement option in Cape Town, South Africa for MSW students. MSW students interested in applying to this newly developed learning opportunity will go through extensive application and selection procedures. The internship options in South Africa will be available at sites where learning opportunities exist in areas of program development and implementation, advocacy, health care disparities, mental health challenges, and child welfare issues. “ VACorps and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign School of Social Work formed a partnership in 2014. All social work students are enrolled in the UIUC MSW program.

"Western Oregon University (WOU), founded in 1856 in Monmouth, is Oregon's oldest public university and a designated Hispanic-Serving Institution. With roughly 3,200 undergraduates, WOU offers a 12:1 student-faculty ratio, focusing on education, criminal justice, and business. It has a ~99% acceptance rate and is ranked for affordability and strong professional programs." VACorps established a partnership with Western Oregon University (WOU) in 2025 to host physical therapy and occupational therapy students seeking international fieldwork experience in Cape Town.

Kaya Responsible Travel’s mission is to promote sustainable social, environmental and economic development, empower communities and cultivate educated, compassionate global citizens through responsible travel.” VACorps established a partnership with Kaya Responsible Travel in 2020 and serves as its Cape Town internship program provider.